Long-term results of permanent indwelling wallstents for benign mid-ureteral strictures.

BACKGROUND

Benign ureteral strictures are a potentially difficult problem that typically has been solved by open surgery. However, minimally invasive methods would be preferable.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Three patients with benign ureteral strictures were treated with endoscopic placement of self-expanding permanent indwelling stents (Wallstents). The etiologies of the obstruction were multifactorial and included retroperitoneal fibrosis, stones, traumatic ureteroscopy, ureteral ischemia, and previous open surgery.

RESULTS

One patient died with a functioning stent 1 year, 7 months after placement. The other two patients are doing well 5 years, 2 months and 5 years, 11 months afterward (mean 51 months).

CONCLUSION

Insertion of a permanent indwelling self-expanding ureteral stent is relatively easy, and long-term successes are documented. Placement of Wallstents for benign ureteral strictures should be considered as a treatment alternative.